
20 men aged between 35 and 65 with a waist measurement of 100 cm (or more) and/or a body mass index above 28 took part in this joint project stage by the German Cancer Support organisation and Bayer 04.
The success of the whole group says volumes about the project: Some participants achieved large reductions in body weight. The change is not only evident on the scales or in the waist measurement but also in the improved lifestyle, increased fitness and healthy diet. "A big compliment to the trainers who carefully introduced the participants to sporting activities," said Meinolf Sprink looking back at the weekly sports sessions run by Christoph Binot, Kai Braun, Dirk Diekmann and Frank Linde.
The course is now over but the group will continue to meet. "FFIT has shown how a club can help build a sense of togetherness in such a great way amongst the fans taking part, which also leads to high personal achievements," said Sprink. The group will continue to meet in the future on a regular basis to play football and they will continue to enjoy the support of Bayer 04.
Other courses are planned both for overweight men and also, for the first time, for female Bayer 04 fans.

Bayer 04 earned a 2-2 draw at FC Augsburg on Bundesliga Matchday 3 with a late equaliser. The Werkself led at half-time through Christian Kofane's strike but the hosts, who went in the game as league leaders, turned it around with a quickfire double from Michael Gregoritsch after the break. The Black-and-Reds didn't give up, though, and salvaged a point thanks to substitute Patrik Schick's flick in the 89th minute.
Show more
After the first win of the season against 1. FC Union Berlin (4-0) last weekend, the Werkself are aiming to collect another three points at FC Augsburg on Saturday 12 September (kick-off 15:30 CEST). The hosts, meanwhile, are enjoying their best-ever start to a Bundesliga campaign and go into Matchday 3 top of the table for the first time. The Matchday News.
Show more
The Werkself are away to FC Augsburg on matchday 3 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season. The game at the WWK Arena against the current – and for the first time – league leaders of the German top flight is on Saturday 12 September at 15:30 CEST. Ahead of the match, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about this week’s training and the team’s approach to the fixture, as they face an opponent brimming with confidence. The Spaniard also addressed a number of squad matters.
Show more
FC Augsburg are top of the table for the first time in their Bundesliga history. After two wins for starters, FCA lead the German top-flight with six points and a goal difference of 7 to 1. This Saturday, 12 September (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), Augsburg are looking to build on their strong start to the season against the Werkself. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
Following the closure of the 2026 summer transfer window, the Bayer 04 men's and women's first teams lined up for a first-ever joint photo at the BayArena. Werkself fans can now download the official photos for free.
Show more